The state Health Department did and rated those waterways the most polluted of some 87 perennial streams and about 125 miles of coastline.

"Among the streams flowing to Kawainui Marsh, Kapaa Stream is the most impaired on a comparative basis," inspector Gary Wolinsky wrote in his Kapaa Stream/Kawainui Marsh assessment.

The draft report by the Department of Health examines 87 of Hawaii's 376 perennial streams and about 125 miles of coastline. It points out that severely impaired Kapaa Stream in Windward Oahu has surface scum, trash and eroded banks. Findings indicate that Hawaii's most polluted waters, based on such characteristics as nitrogen and phosphorous levels and litter in and around the water, are in Honolulu and Windward Oahu.

Referring to those waterways deemed excessively polluted, June Harrigan, manager of the Health Department Environmental Planning Office, said: "Conditions in these and other polluted water bodies do not represent a major public health threat. But their ability to support diverse aquatic life is severely compromised."

For example, the report says, Kapaa Stream has chocolate-brown turbid water, large amounts of floating and attached algae, water hyacinth and an oil film.

The draft biennial assessment is being circulated for comments. The most polluted water bodies are targeted for cleanup.

"The report focuses on locations where we would expect problems, such as urbanized areas," said Bruce Anderson, deputy health director. "Generally, the condition of Hawaii's inland and coastal waters is good, especially compared to more industrialized states."

With no major industrial complexes here, polluted runoff from agricultural lands, urban areas and dumping sites were cited as major sources of contamination.

Such runoff contains fertilizers, pesticides, animal wastes, sediments, petroleum products and heavy metals.

The report was prepared to meet a requirement of the federal Clean Water Act. The first assessment was completed in 1980. The current one is the first to examine Hawaii's streams. Copies are available in Honolulu at the DOH Environmental Planning Office. Neighbor Island residents can contact the Office of Chief Sanitation on their island.

Public comment will be used in the report submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Comments may be sent no later than March 3 to June Harrigan, manager, Environmental Planning Office, 919 Ala Moana, 3rd Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814.